
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 12, 1994                   TAG: 9406210023
SECTION: HORIZON                    PAGE: E-4   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: Reviewed by Nelson Harris
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SPIRITUALITY, LONELINESS

Spirituality is becoming increasingly fashionable in the 90s as evidenced by the plethora of books on the subject, many of them best sellers. Father Joseph Girzone, best known as the author of "Joshua," has now added his thoughts on the subject in "Never Alone."

The book explores Girzone's understanding of the intimate relationship that should exist between God and human beings. In fact, the book is dedicated to his best friend - God. The author begins with thoughts on the aloneness as simplythe absence of a companion. Instead, it is the inability to share one's deepest secrets with anyone else.

Within this context, the author asserts that modern society is spiritually starved: "People's searching for spirituality is almost epidemic." Girzone further claims that the institutional church has in many ways failed the spiritual pilgrim as the church and its clergy have too often focused on things other than developing a personal spirituality.

Against such a backfrop, Girzone has chosen to write his book. Within its brief pages, the author shares from the wealth of his personal experience and Christian faith the essence of communion with God. By engaging the spiritual journey and reflecting upon the insights and conclusions of the author, "Never Alone" has the potential to challenge not only one's understanding of God but also of one's self.

Nelson Harris is pastor of the Ridgewood Baptist church .

by CNB